Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2016
865. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the airport runway extension at Waterford Regional Airport; his plans to provide funding for this project over the coming years; how much funding will be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12859/16]
View answerThe Regional Airports Programme that is administered by my Department supports the four regional airports in Donegal, Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK), Kerry and Waterford with implementing necessary safety and security related projects, including measures in these two areas that are requisite to comply with regulatory requirements.
Over the past five years, Waterford Airport has received €9.6 million in operational and investment support from my Department and in April of this year, a further €157,500 in grant aid was approved for a number of security projects, including new X-Ray equipment, at the airport.
The extra €10 million in capital funding that is provided in the Programme for Government, which is additional to the €28 million already provided for in the Capital Plan 2016 to 2022, will enhance my Department's ability to further support the four airports, including Waterford Airport in these important areas. The allocation of that funding has yet to be decided.
Development projects which are designed to expand capacity are a commercial matter for the airports themselves. In the case of the proposed runway extension at Waterford, I understand the airport authorities are pursuing local interests for funding in relation to that project.
